The Importance of Reading with Dad

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Candlewick Press.

I grew up with wonderful parents. I have childhood memories that I will carry with me throughout my lifetime. We played games, worked together, and enjoyed countless holidays together. Yet out of all of our family moments, I do not recall many of them that included reading. My parents wanted me to do well in school, as all parents want for their children, but learning together was not a part of our lifestyle.

When my wife and I had our older daughter, my wife and I both would often read to her. Once we had the triplets and life became more hectic, reading together as a family seemed like an impossible task. One particular night, when my boys were around three years old, they approached me right before bed time with a sweet little hard cover book in hand. The book had cute animals and starry skies on the cover.

“Where’s Mom? We want a bedtime story,” one boy inquired.

“She’s in the shower,” I replied. “But I can read to you.”

I held my hand out for the book.

“No, I don’t think so,” he said. “Mom reads the bed time stories.”

In that moment, I knew that I needed to make reading to my sons a priority. Even as young as the age of three, they were already connecting reading with something that mom did, and not dad. This thought resonated heavily with me. The next day, I headed to a local bookstore and purchased a stack of children’s books. That incident was the beginning of me altering my family history on fathers reading to their sons.

For me, I see three important results that happen when I read to my kids:

#1 My kids see me reading. Reading is NOT a “kid thing” or a “mom thing.” It is a EVERYONE thing. Good reading habits instilled in childhood lead to great reading comprehension and a love of books throughout a life time.

#2 We connect. Reading time is an excellent way for me to connect with  my kids.

#3 We discuss. Did you know that kids’ books are great avenues of opening up discussions with our kids? Kids’ books have stories and themes, and we can use these to discuss topics of importance with our kids.

Reading with our kids doesn’t have to end when they get older. My older daughter often reads to me, or we choose a book and read a chapter at a time.

I’m partnering with Candlewick Press today to share about the importance of reading with Dad. For those searching for an awesome next book for quality reading time, look no farther than their selection of great titles.

My daughter has enjoyed Malamander, the first book in a trilogy. It combines humor with slight creepiness that keeps her coming back to each chapter without hesitation. With adventure, fantasy, shadowy villains, and mythological sea creatures, older elementary students are sure to be fascinated. If your child is a fan of Lemony Snicket or the Greenglass House series, check out Malamander. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The sweet children’s book Just Because took me back to my childhood when I would ask my parents “Why?” incessantly. The author of the story playfully answers a daughter’s questions with more than a “just because.” The retro style art pairs well with the fantastical vibe of the text. This book is great for kids aged 4 to 8.

The entire family likes to join in on a Where’s Waldo hunt. Where’s Waldo Double Trouble at the Museum carries a twist on iconic Where’s Waldo books by challenging kids to not only find Waldo but look for the differences in two side-by-side photos, as well. The book is great for upcoming holiday road trips, but my kids enjoy working on a page before bed as a family.  The recommended age range is 5 to 9, but even my wife and I like hunting for Waldo!

What are your favorite books for reading with Dad?